In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.

Silence is sometimes the best answer.

Zazen is not step-by-step meditation. Rather it is simply the easy and pleasant practice of a Buddha, the realization of the Buddha's Wisdom.

The real purpose of Zen is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.

Whatever is happening is the path to enlightenment.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.

The dharma is not about collecting more beliefs but about becoming free from the power of belief itself.

You are the master of your own mind. You can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

Each breath is a new beginning, a fresh opportunity to awaken.

The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.

Awareness is always with us. We don't need to create it or achieve it - we just need to recognize what's already there.

Impermanence, suffering, and non-self are not philosophical concepts but realities to be directly perceived through mindfulness practice.

Meditation is not about escaping from difficulty but about meeting it with awareness.

The true path is not difficult; just avoid picking and choosing.

Real peace comes from seeing things as they really are, not as we want them to be.

The nature of everything is illusory and ephemeral, those with dualistic perception regard suffering as happiness, like they who lick the honey from a razor's edge.

If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

The object of meditation and the mind which knows it must be noted as they occur. If they are not noted, desire arises and disturbs concentration.

Real freedom is not about controlling our experience, but about being free within our experience.

A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.

Every time we become aware of a thought, as opposed to being lost in a thought, we experience that opening of the mind.

Vipassana is the art of living. Not the art of escaping.

When you recognize that pain and suffering are impermanent, you become free.

The root of all mind is your own present pure awareness. Rest in that essence without seeking elsewhere.

The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new.

The Dhamma unfolds in accordance with a definite sequence: faith, virtue, learning, generosity, wisdom, and insight.

The best way to control people is to encourage them to be mischievous. Then they will be in control in a wider sense.

Happiness is not about getting what you want, but wanting what you've got.

The snow lion stays in the mountains, and the snow lion's ways are the snow lion's ways.

Compassion is a verb.

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.